Chapter 10, The Hidden Hand

Ah? Uncle, are you really doing this...? Li Jin was greatly surprised, staring at Wei Chi Wu Bing, seemingly in disbelief

Yet the young girl, with her gaze shifting, clearly did not expect that a disheveled scholar in white could possess such lofty insights, causing Wei Chi Wubing to change color in response

Even a small scout possesses such caliber, and Wei Chi Wubing is filled with curiosity towards the person before him

Lord Yuchi, you rise early

Is Erlang awake

If it were not for the threat posed by its archrival, the Helian family of Tuyuhun, and the rapid rise of the Northwest Qiang people, the Shatuo Li clan would have long since marched south to contend for supremacy with the Zhu family of Henan, who controlled Bianluo.

Since the misunderstanding has been resolved, Jiang Feng naturally would not hold a grudge over past grievances. On the contrary, he has a considerable admiration for the subordinates of the Li family in Guanzhong. The ability to remain steadfastly loyal around the Li family is a loyalty that not everyone can maintain

The cabin fell into silence for a moment, as Wei Chi Wubing contemplated how to bring Jiang Feng back to Chang'an

Xiao Jin, in the small place of Guangzhou, there are neither talented individuals nor a space for him to showcase his abilities, and he is constantly under the threat of bandits. If he could join our Li family, it would indeed be a stroke of fortune. " Wei Chi Wubing smiled calmly and said, "Xiao Jin, some matters require a broader perspective.

He does not believe that this small pond of the Hsu family in Gwangju can accommodate this dragon.

Jiang Feng ranks second in his family; if Lord Yuchi does not mind, it would be better to simply call him Jiang Feng Erlang. Jiang Feng also rose to his feet, clasped his fists, and bid farewell.

The "Essence of the Five Animal Play" and the "Compilation of the Essentials of the Green Bag Book" are the only relics left to Jiang Feng by his mother. Regarding his mother in this lifetime, Jiang Feng does not have many memories; he only knows that the Hua family, to which his mother belonged, is likely related to the Hua family of Qiao County in the Pei State.

"Uncle, haven't we already sent the name to him to serve the Xu family?" The young girl raised her eyebrows in surprise, unsure of what her usually respected uncle was up to.

Sitting cross-legged on the bed, Jiang Feng practiced breathing exercises in meditation; this was almost a daily essential for Jiang Erlang.

Currently, the only practices of mysterious energy cultivation that can be considered as capable of entering the realm, apart from the aristocratic families, are some major sects that either remain hidden in the mountains and forests or stand tall in the martial world. However, overall, there is still a certain gap between the sects of the martial world and the aristocratic families, prestigious clans, and renowned families.

Although the Zhu family held power in the central plains of Bianluo, it was precisely because the Bianluo region was a vast expanse of flat land, particularly the Kaifeng Prefecture, which was a battleground with no natural defenses. The distance to the military forces of Jin Nanze and Lu provinces was merely a few hundred miles. The Shatuo cavalry could easily cross Zhi Pass or Bai Jing Pass to launch a direct assault on Bianluo, threatening the survival of the Zhu family. Therefore, despite the Zhu family's comprehensive strength firmly ranking as the foremost in Huaxia, they had no choice but to station a large army in Bianluo to guard against unforeseen circumstances

Jiang Feng leaped up; he had already changed into a set of ordinary white clothes prepared for him by Xue Ju, the soldier who had slapped him, and who was also the cousin of Xue Chan.

After a deep breath, feeling refreshed, Jiang Feng was unsure whether this set of skills originated from the Five Animal Play of Hua Tuo from the Three Kingdoms era, but the Tiger and Bear Postures indeed allowed him to eliminate fatigue and greatly enhance his spirit, while the other three postures were undoubtedly techniques for martial combat.

The Tiger Stance and Bear Sit are two static postures in the Five Animal Play. The Tiger Stance refers to a half-squat with arms hanging down, facing east, inhaling and exhaling, circulating energy throughout the body. The Bear Sit involves sitting cross-legged, raising the shoulders and expanding the chest, also facing east, regulating breath and circulating energy throughout the body

Wei Chi Wubing did not continue his words, which he found rather strange. Although he had only briefly observed Jiang Feng's practice of several stances, he could still discern a general idea with his keen eyesight

Well, Erlang, go take a rest. There is still one more day tomorrow. We can make it and have a good chat. You can rest assured. Since we are on the Li family's boat, both the Liu family and the Xiao family must give the Li family some face.

However, it is not as easy to break free from constraints as it may sound. This person possesses an exceptionally thorough understanding of the Li family, both internally and externally, which is indeed rare. Unfortunately, they cannot be utilized by the Li family

A round red sun rises in the east, and upon waking, Jiang Feng realizes that the sky has already begun to lighten with a fish-belly white. The gentle undulation of the cabin makes him aware that the boat is still moving downstream.

If there were no ties, how could the Li family have come to this point

After Jiang Feng departed, Wei Chi Wubing's expression finally darkened, remaining silent for a long time. The young girl, observing this, was also puzzled and quietly asked, "Uncle Wei Chi, do you have some difficult matter on your mind?"

Alright, the night is deepening, and Jiang Feng, you must be tired as well. Xue Chan, please take Jiang Feng down to rest. Wei Chi Wu Bing nodded, not responding to Jiang Feng's suggestion

Jiang Feng has indeed caught a glimpse of the path in his cultivation style, yet Wei Chi Wubing has not observed any further signs of progress in the other's realm, which leaves him quite puzzled

"You young people cannot compare to us. The ship is rocking and rolling, making it hard to sleep." Wei Chi Wubing stood with his hands clasped behind his back, basking in the morning sunlight, feeling quite pleasant. "Excellence is achieved through diligence and wasted through indulgence. Young people should work hard in this regard. Erlang, I observe that your cultivation method is not bad; your foundation in internal martial arts is solid, and you have already reached the realm of sitting and observing the Dao. However, I feel that you are always missing something, hmm, a certain atmosphere to transcend this barrier..."

"Xiao Jin, I observe that he does not seem to be a fraud. This young man harbors the grandeur of mountains and rivers within him, skilled in both literature and martial arts, yet he humbly serves under Xu's clerk and military advisor, which is truly hard to believe. If this person could be of use to us, he would undoubtedly be a great asset. " Wei Chi Wubing pondered, "However, what he says also holds some truth, and I cannot force him to stay."

Beginning in the later period of the chaotic wars of the Five Barbarians, a large number of Turkic people, unable to survive in the harsh climate and continuous warfare of the Mongolian Plateau and the surrounding deserts, saw the rise of the Shatuo royal family led by the Zhu Xie clan, who were of the same lineage. They flocked south to seek refuge and allegiance, providing ample military resources for the Shatuo lineage in the Jin region, which enabled the Shatuo Li clan to rapidly become the dominant military power in the north

With a gentle sigh, Wei Chi Wubing felt an increasing sense of regret deep within. While it is indeed remarkable to easily see through the current situation of the Li family, the statement about breaking free from constraints undoubtedly strikes at the soft underbelly of the Li clan.

Currently, the Shatuo lineage is evidently leading the prominent figures of the northern Turkic tribes, with the Shatuo Li clan being the undisputed royal family among them. Under their banner, a large number of talents from northern nomadic peoples have gathered. Among them are exceptional martial arts prodigies—known as the unparalleled duo, Shi Jingtang and Liu Zhiyuan—as well as the renowned sorcerer Li Chongshan (Zhu Xie Chongshan), a master of Shatuo magic, along with his three brilliant disciples, all of whom are distinguished figures. Additionally, there is a significant group of already Sinicized elite nomads and Han talents who have come together to serve under their command.

Throughout the history of the Five Dynasties, the Later Liang was destroyed by the Later Tang established by the Shatuo. Although there have been significant deviations in history now, the military strength of the Shatuo Li clan, especially its cavalry, remains outstanding in the Huaxia region, particularly as certain elements in this temporal context have already undergone changes

That is merely a cheap tactic; my ultimate intention is to recruit this person for our use. Xu Wangting is all show and no substance, aspiring for greatness yet narrow-minded. If he were to hand over the name to the Xu family, it would likely raise their suspicions immediately. Not to mention being given a significant role, he might even find it difficult to maintain his position in Guangzhou.

This person is both literate and martial; if he can become his own support, he will surely be able to assist himself in removing obstacles and revitalizing the Li family's dynasty